UE Migration Between Networks In Response To Spectrum Grant Suspension

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms and apparatus for managing UE migration between a shared spectrum primary and a secondary network by efficiently capturing UE session snapshots so as to prioritize UE migration by active services from the primary to the secondary network in response to loss of spectrum conditions requiring such migration, and to provide a mechanism by which UE are migrated back to the primary network as soon as shared spectrum becomes available.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communicationssystems and related networks, and more particularly to user equipmentmigration between network services providers.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects ofart, which may be related to various aspects of the present inventionthat are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed tobe helpful in providing the reader with background information tofacilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statementsare to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Mobile network operators (MNOs) typically own and manage significanttelecommunications infrastructure used to provide wireless services viacellular coverage for users of their cellular/mobile network services.MNOs have deployed universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS)nodes and/or high-speed packet access (HSPA) nodes to provide coverageto the users of their network. These deployments have been augmented bythe deployment of third generation partnership project (3GPP) long termevolution (LTE) coverage (e.g., 4G/LTE) to increase network performance,provide new services and so on. New and planned deployment of 5G NewRadio (5G NR) and related technologies provides further improvements innetwork performance as well new or improved network services.

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) may own little or none of thetelecommunications infrastructure used to provide wireless services fortheir users. For example, network operators such as cable televisionMultiple-System Operators (MSOs) may operate as MVNOs via a dual-networkdeployment model wherein existing (though limited) MSO wirelessinfrastructure is augmented via telecommunications infrastructure of apartner MNO so as to offer to offer wireless services to MVNO customers.

Increasing demands for wireless throughput make access to additionalwireless spectrum desirable, including both licensed and unlicensedspectrum, spectrum in multiple spectral regions, such as high bands (24GHz-40 GHz for 5G), mid bands (3.5 GHz-6 GHz and/or 1 GHz-2.6 GHz for4G/LTE/5G), and low bands (<1 GHz for 4G/LTE/5G), and other sharedspectrum.

Shared spectrum usage rules typically contemplate 3-tiered sharedaccess; namely, (1) Incumbent operations, (2) Priority Access Licenses(PAL) which are used for commercial operation, and (3) GeneralAuthorized Access (GAA) which is available without licenses and subjectto FCC Part 96 rules. GAA compliance may at times require a revocationof granted spectrum and/or a reduction in transmit power/range ofdevices using unlicensed spectrum (e.g., mobile network basestations/eNBs/gNBs and the like), such as when a GAA-define prioritizeduser requires this spectrum.

Spectrum associated with citizens broadband radio service (CBRS) iscurrently configured as a 150 MHz band between 3.55 GHz and 3.70 GHz.Spectrum access is granted to Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices(CBSDs), such as base stations, eNBs, gNBs, user devices and the likevia a Spectrum Access System (SAS) operating in accordance with,illustratively, a CBSD-SAS registration and spectrum grant process suchas that described in the WINNF-TS-0016 standards document.

PAL is guaranteed channel assignment within the first 100 MHz of CBRSspectrum, with the remaining CBRS spectrum being used for GAA. However,user access is not guaranteed since as incumbent/priority users such asDoD (government), satellite operators, and others take the highestpriority. As such, a SAS managing spectrum grants to CBSDs using theCBRS spectrum may suspend such grants in the event of a conflict with ahigher priority user, which may require a suspension of PAL/GAA CBSDcommunications such that the corresponding user equipment (UE) attachedto the CBSD and using the suspended PAL/GAA spectrum grants must bedetached therefrom and migrated to another MVNO, MNO/partner network, orother alternate infrastructure.

Given that CBSD-detached UEs may be quite numerous, and a large numberof UE attempting to gain access to the alternative infrastructure may bedisruptive to the infrastructure as well as UE currently attachedthereto.

SUMMARY

Various deficiencies in the prior art are addressed by systems, methods,and apparatus for managing UE migration between a shared spectrumprimary and a secondary network by efficiently capturing UE sessionsnapshots so as to prioritize UE migration by active services from theprimary to the secondary network in response to loss of spectrumconditions requiring such migration, and to provide a mechanism by whichUE are migrated back to the primary network as soon as shared spectrumbecomes available.

In various embodiments, a UE migration plan defining priority of UEbased on active session(s) criteria may be used to prioritize UEmigration between networks. Such migration may be necessitated by, forexample, UE being attached to PE nodes via shared spectrum and the PEnodes have received a suspension message indicating a need to stop usingshared spectrum or reduce the power/range associated with their use ofthe shared spectrum (e.g., a migration from MVNO CBSD nodes to non-CBSDMVNO or MNO nodes).

In various embodiments, UE network access via shared spectrum providerequipment (PE) nodes (e.g., CBSD nodes using CBRS spectrum) may bereduced or eliminated due to tiered use requirements such that all UEaccessing network services via such shared spectrum PE nodes must bemigrated to non-CBSD nodes such as that of a MNO or a different networkassociated with the MVNO.

Various embodiments contemplate that UE include a connection managercomprising a software agent active at UE and configured to performvarious functions associated with capturing/using snapshot information,UE network connection changes, and so on. The connection manager agent(CMA) at the UE may cooperate with a connection manager server (CMS) ata service provider management entity or core network, where the CMS isconfigured to interact with the CMA at each of a large number of UE soas to perform the various network offloading, migration, load balancing,and other functions which result in changes to connectivity of UE, whichfunctions may be implemented in a prioritized manner such as inaccordance with a UE migration plan.

Various embodiments contemplate that geofencing or location data may beused to refine a snapshot capture process so as to avoid having UEexpend battery power on capturing snapshot information that will likelynot be used. Further, geofencing or location data may be used to assistin the gradual or controlled migration of UE from a preferred network toa backup or secondary network as needed, and the migration of the UEback to the preferred network as the opportunity to do so arises.

The various embodiments advantageously enable and provide for acontrolled transition of a large number of UEs in a systematic way withminimal or at least reduced impact on performance.

A method according to an embodiment may comprise: in response toreceiving a spectrum grant suspension message associated with spectrumused by a Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) node to provideservices to user equipment (UE) attached thereto, transmitting adetachment request and a grant suspension indicative code to each UEassociated with the suspended spectrum grant; receiving, from at least aportion of the UE associated with the suspended spectrum grant,respective indications of available nodes of alternate networks andsnapshots of active sessions; generating a UE migration plan for the UEassociated with the suspended spectrum grant, the UE migration plancomprising a prioritized ordering of UE migration to each node of one ormore alternate networks based on UE active session information andalternate network cost, wherein each of the one or more alternatenetwork nodes is associated with a respective UE migration rate; andcausing at least the portion of the UE associated with the suspendedspectrum grant to initiate a UE migration in accordance with the UEmigration plan.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention willbe set forth in part in the description which follows, and will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the followingor may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects andadvantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of theinstrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with a general description of the inventiongiven above, and the detailed description of the embodiments givenbelow, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified network services architecture suitable foruse in various embodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts a flow diagram of a UE migration management method inaccordance with the embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of a UE handover management method inaccordance with the embodiments; and

FIG. 4 graphically depicts a network management method in accordancewith the embodiments.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarilyto scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of variousfeatures illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. Thespecific design features of the sequence of operations as disclosedherein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations,locations, and shapes of various illustrated components, will bedetermined in part by the particular intended application and useenvironment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have beenenlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization andclear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, forexample, for clarity or illustration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and drawings merely illustrate the principlesof the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in theart will be able to devise various arrangements that, although notexplicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of theinvention and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examplesrecited herein are principally intended expressly to be only forpedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principlesof the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) tofurthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitationto such specifically recited examples and conditions. Additionally, theterm, “or,” as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unlessotherwise indicated (e.g., “or else” or “or in the alternative”). Also,the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutuallyexclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more otherembodiments to form new embodiments.

The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will bedescribed with particular reference to the presently preferred exemplaryembodiments. However, it should be understood that this class ofembodiments provides only a few examples of the many advantageous usesof the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in thespecification of the present application do not necessarily limit any ofthe various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply tosome inventive features but not to others. Those skilled in the art andinformed by the teachings herein will realize that the invention is alsoapplicable to various other technical areas or embodiments.

Various deficiencies in the prior art are addressed by systems, methods,and apparatus for managing UE migration between MNO and MVNO networks byefficiently capturing UE session snapshots so as to prioritize UEmigration between networks in response to conditions requiring suchmigration. In various embodiments, a UE migration plan defining priorityof UE based on active session(s) criteria may be used to prioritize UEmigration between networks. Such migration may be necessitated by, forexample, UE being attached to PE nodes via shared spectrum and the PEnodes have received a suspension message indicating a need to stop usingshared spectrum or reduce the power/range associated with their use ofthe shared spectrum (e.g., a migration from MVNO CBSD nodes to non-CBSDMVNO or MNO nodes).

In various embodiments, UE network access via shared spectrum providerequipment (PE) nodes (e.g., CBSD nodes using CBRS spectrum) may bereduced or eliminated due to tiered use requirements such that all UEaccessing network services via such shared spectrum PE nodes must bemigrated to non-CBSD nodes such as that of a MNO or a different networkassociated with the MVNO.

Various embodiments contemplate that UE include a connection managercomprising a software agent active at UE and configured to performvarious functions associated with capturing/using snapshot information,UE network connection changes, and so on. The connection manager agent(CMA) at the UE may cooperate with a connection manager server (CMS) ata service provider management entity or core network, where the CMS isconfigured to interact with the CMA at each of a large number of UE soas to perform the various network offloading, migration, load balancing,and other functions which result in changes to connectivity of UE, whichfunctions may be implemented in a prioritized manner such as inaccordance with a UE migration plan.

Various embodiments contemplate that geofencing or location data may beused to refine a snapshot capture process so as to avoid having UEexpend battery power on capturing snapshot information that will likelynot be used. Further, geofencing or location data may be used to assistin the gradual or controlled migration of UE from a preferred network toa backup or secondary network as needed, and the migration of the UEback to the preferred network as the opportunity to do so arises.

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified network services architecture suitable foruse in various embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts a first network(e.g., an MNO network) and a second network (e.g., an MVNO network),each network comprising respective deployed networking ortelecommunications infrastructure configured to provide network services(e.g., voice, streaming media, data upload/download etc.) services torespective subscribers/users. While various embodiments are depicted anddescribed herein within the context of an MVNO network usinginfrastructure of an MNO network for service backup purposes the firstand second networks do not need to be in an MVNO/MNO arrangement. Forexample, the second network may comprise unlicensed spectruminfrastructure of an MNO network configured for using licensed spectruminfrastructure (first network) of the same MNO network for servicebackup purposes.

The MNO network is configured to provide network services to respectivesubscribers/users via user equipment (UE) 105 configured to communicatewith MNO nodes (e.g., nodes 110-11, 110-12, and so on) of,illustratively, a E-UTRAN (LTE access network) connected to a corenetwork, illustratively an evolved packet core (EPC) 120-1, whichprovides network services from/to external networks 130-1.

As depicted in FIG. 1 , the MNO network comprises nodes 110-1 xcomprising cellular network base stations, eNodeBs (eNBs), 4G/5Grepeaters, and similar types of provider equipment or logical radionodes (e.g., gNBs) derived therefrom. Each node 110-1 x provides networkservices to UE 105 via respective radio bearer (channels/resources)which are managed by various Radio Resource Management functions, suchas Radio Bearer Control, Radio Admission Control, Connection MobilityControl, Scheduling of UEs in both uplink and downlink and so on. Asdepicted, the MNO nodes 110-1 x communicate with a core network,illustratively an evolved packet core (EPC) 120-1 comprising a ServingGateway (SGW) 122-1, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 124-1, a PacketData Network (PDN) Gateway (PGW) 126-1, a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)128-1, and various other network elements (not shown) operative toprovide the various functions necessary to enable UE authentication,network services, application services and the like as is known.

In various embodiments, each of the various applications or sessionsactive at a UE and captured via snapshot is associated with one or morebearer channels of an appropriate QoS level. The activeapplications/sessions may be prioritized based upon type, bearerchannel(s), and/or respective QoS levels or requirements. For example,voice services are more important than multimedia download/presentationservices (services are often buffered), which are more important thenemail or file transfer services.

The MVNO network is configured to provide network services to respectivesubscribers/users via UE 105 configured to communicate with MVNO nodes(e.g., nodes 110-21, 110-22, and so on) of, illustratively, a E-UTRAN(LTE access network) connected to a core network, illustratively anevolved packet core (EPC) 120-2 and/or a plurality of wireless accesspoints (WAPs) 160-1, 160-2 and so on (collectively WAPs 160) connectedto one or more access networks 170, wherein the core network 120-2 andaccess network(s) 170 provide network services from/to external networks130-2.

As depicted in FIG. 1 , the MVNO network comprises nodes 110-2 xcomprising macrocells, small cells, microcells and the like such aseNodeBs (eNBs) and similar types of provider equipment or logical radionodes (e.g., gNBs) derived therefrom. Each node 110-2 x provides networkservices to UE 105 via respective radio bearer (channels/resources)which are managed by various Radio Resource Management functions, suchas Radio Bearer Control, Radio Admission Control, Connection MobilityControl, Scheduling of UEs in both uplink and downlink and so on. Asdepicted, the MVNO nodes 110-2 x communicate with a core networkcomprising, illustratively, an evolved packet core (EPC) 120-2comprising a Serving Gateway (SGW) 122-2, a Mobility Management Entity(MME) 124-2, a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (PGW) 126-2, a HomeSubscriber Server (HSS) 128-2, and various other network elements (notshown) operative to provide the various functions necessary to enable UEauthentication, network services, application services and the like asis known.

In some embodiments, the MVNO network comprises a converged networkconfigured to enable UE to access subscriber services via any of aplurality of available wireless networks as long as the QoS requirementsare satisfied, such as via available network nodes 110-2 x or via any ofa plurality of wireless access points (WAPs) 160.

The WAPs 160 of the MVNO network may comprise 802.11xx wireless accesspoints at homes, businesses or other locations configured to communicatewith UE 105 and with an access network 170. In various embodiments, theMVNO network services provider utilizes numerous such access pointsdistributed over a “coverage footprint” to provide network services tomobile devices such as the UE 105 discussed herein.

In various embodiments, while attached to a second or backup network(e.g., 4G/LTE/5G nodes 110-1 x) the UE connection manager periodicallyinteracts with a first/original network management entity to determinetherefrom whether the first/original network (e.g., CBRS nodes 110-2 xand/or WAPs 160) has become available again (e.g., the priority use/usertriggering the SAS to transmit the initial channel vacate messages is nolonger requiring the CBRS spectrum) such that the UE may re-attachitself to the first/original network.

As depicted, the MVNO network includes network nodes 110-2 x or WAPs 160configured to utilize unlicensed spectrum in addition to, or instead of,licensed spectrum. That is, the MVNO network may include network nodes110-2 x or APs 160 configured to utilize unlicensed or shared spectrumin various unlicensed spectral regions, such as high bands (24 GHz-40GHz for 5G), mid bands (3.5 GHz-6 GHz and/or 1 GHz-2.6 GHz for4G/LTE/5G), and low bands (<1 GHz for 4G/LTE/5G), and other sharedspectrum.

In various embodiments, at least some of the network nodes 110-2 xand/or APs 160 of the MVNO network are configured to operate in at leastsome modes of operation as Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices(CBSDs) utilizing spectrum associated with the Citizens Broadband RadioService (CBRS), which is currently configured as a 150 MHz band between3.55 GHz and 3.70 GHz. Spectrum access is granted to CBSDs, such as basestations, eNBs, gNBs, WAPs, UE the like via a Spectrum Access System(SAS) 140 operating in accordance with, illustratively, a CBSD-SASdiscovery, authentication, registration, spectrum inquiry, spectrumgrant, heartbeat, grant relinquishment, grant suspension,deregistration, and/or other procedures such as that described in theWINNF-TS-0016 standards document.

It is further noted that different types of deployed MNO and MVNOinfrastructure may be used within the context of the variousembodiments, such as via differing types of nodes 110 supported by4G/LTE, 5G New Radio, and/or other types of core networks 120, differingtypes of WAPs 160, and so on.

As depicted in FIG. 1 , the UE 105 may comprise any type of wirelessdevice configured for use in accordance with the various embodiments,such as user terminals (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, tablets and thelike), fixed wireless access devices (e.g., set top boxes, digital videorecorders, stationary computing devices and the like), Internet ofThings (IoT) devices (e.g., sensors, monitoring devices, alarm systemdevices and the like), and/or other wireless devices. The UE 105 mayinclude UE associated with mobile network protocols (e.g.,3G/4G/LTE/5G), WiFi protocols (e.g., 802.xx), and the like.

The various embodiments contemplate the UE 105 are configured tocommunicate via each of the first MNO and second MVNO networks. In thecase of each of these network utilizing mobile network (MN) radio accesstechnology (RAT) such as 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G, the UE 105 so configuredmay comprise dual SIM UE (e.g., two SIM card capability, one SIM cardand an eSIM, etc.). As such, and as depicted in FIG. 1 , UE 105 comprisea first SIM 105-SIM1 and at least one of a second SIM 105-SIM2 and aneSIM 105-ESIM.

As depicted in FIG. 1 , the UE 105 comprise a first subscriber identitymodule (SIM) 105-SIM1 and at least one of a second SIM 105-SIM2 and aneSIM 105-ESIM, wherein a first SIM (or eSIM) is associated with a firstsubscription tied to the MNO network, and a second SIM (or eSIM) isassociated with a second subscription tied to the MVNO small cellnetwork. The UE 105 may comprise enhanced dual-subscription devices likeDual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) UE. Further, a location module 105-LM mayalso be provided in the UE 105. Various other UE functions are alsoprovided within the UE, though such functions are not discussed indetail herein.

Further, the UE 105 comprise a connection manager 105-CM configured toperform various functions such as will be described below, includinggathering snapshot data (which may be stored in a snapshot database105-SD), obtaining data relating to a quality of service or strength ofsignal of each of (i) a MVNO/MSO-provided CBRS service, and (ii) aMNO-provided cellular service to assist in the selection of one over theother based on the comparison (e.g., selection of a MVNO node 110-2 x orMNO node 110-1 x proximate the UE 105), communicating with variousmanagement entities such as a connection manager server at a homenetwork (e.g., the MVNO network) so as to manage the timing andselection of service node attachment.

Generally speaking, the CM 105-CM and CMS 150 operate to assist/controla UE 105 in selecting an appropriate network (e.g., the MNO network whenthe MVNO network is not available, or the MVNO network when it becomesavailable) to transmit and receive user/application data. It will benoted that while an enhanced DSDS UE 105 with CM 105-CM enables internetdata traffic to be transferred through either of the MNO and MVNOnetworks, the end-user of the DSDS UE 105 (i.e., the user of UE 105) mayonly see connectivity to one network advertised in the device display,such as the MNO network. In other words there may be no indicationregarding MVNO small cell network to the end-user, and the end-user maynot necessarily be made aware whether MVNO small cell network beingutilized at any given time.

The UE connection manager 105-CM may comprise a computer programoperative to execute on a digital processor apparatus, and configuredto, when executed, obtain data relating to a quality of service orstrength of signal of each of (i) the MSO-provided CBRS service, and(ii) the MNO-provided cellular service, and cause selection of one overthe other based on the comparison. In one implementation, the connectionmanager entity (e.g., program) is disposed on a user mobile device(e.g., UE), and configured to autonomously obtain QoS data and perform acomparison of the networks based upon the obtained QoS data, such as atthe then current location of the UE. In other embodiments, the UEconnection manager 105-CM cooperates with the CMS 150 to provide theretoQoS data and/or other network or UE performance measurements such thatthe CMS 150 may perform network comparisons and other analysis (e.g.,evaluate the CBRS and MNO cellular options at one or more locationswithin a prescribed CBRS coverage area for one or more nodes 110-1x/110-2 x).

Various embodiments contemplate that PE managing MVNO network nodes110-2 x/160-x are also monitoring the use of unlicensed spectrum bythese nodes, such as via interacting with the nodes 110-2 x/160-x and/orthe SAS 140 operative to control the use of such spectrum. In thismanner, the PE may be configured to respond at a network-level to UEmigrations resulting from localized suspension of spectrum grants by theSAS. In various embodiments, the CMS 150 or other PE management entitiescommunicate with the SAS 140 via standard messaging techniques to remainaware of spectrum grant status so as to response to changes in suchstatus in accordance with, illustratively, a UE migration plan.

Various elements or portions thereof depicted in FIG. 1 and havingfunctions described herein are implemented at least in part as computingdevices having communications capabilities, including for example the UE105, nodes 110, SAS 140, CMS 150, WAPs 160 and various portions of thecore networks 120. These elements or portions thereof have computingdevices of various types, though generally a processor element (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU) or other suitable processor(s)), a memory(e.g., random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and thelike), various communications interfaces (e.g., more interfaces enablingcommunications via different networks/RATs), input/output interfaces(e.g., GUI delivery mechanism, user input reception mechanism, webportal interacting with remote workstations and so on) and the like.

As such, the various functions depicted and described herein may beimplemented at the elements or portions thereof as hardware or acombination of software and hardware, such as by using a general purposecomputer, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC),or any other hardware equivalents or combinations thereof. In variousembodiments, computer instructions associated with a function of anelement or portion thereof are loaded into a respective memory andexecuted by a respective processor to implement the respective functionsas discussed herein. Thus various functions, elements and/or modulesdescribed herein, or portions thereof, may be implemented as a computerprogram product wherein computer instructions, when processed by acomputing device, adapt the operation of the computing device such thatthe methods or techniques described herein are invoked or otherwiseprovided. Instructions for invoking the inventive methods may be storedin tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium such as fixed orremovable media or memory, or stored within a memory within a computingdevice operating according to the instructions.

For purposes of this discussion, it is assumed that the owners of thefirst network (e.g., an MNO) and the owners of the second network (e.g.,an MVNO) have in place an agreement whereby UE 105 associated withsubscribers/users of the MVNO network are able to receive subscribed-forservices via the MNO network in areas where the infrastructureassociated with the MVNO network (e.g., nodes 110-2 x) do not providesufficient network coverage or services to the UE 105, wherein suchcoverage/services is instead provided to the UE 105 via infrastructureassociated with the MNO network (e.g., nodes 110-1 x). In this case, theUE 105 attached to a MVNO node 110-2 x is handed over to a MNO node110-1 x.

Various embodiments facilitate the mitigation of UE receiving MVNOservices via unlicensed spectrum when attached to a CBSD node (e.g.,110-2 x or WAP 160) in the case of a suspension of a spectrum grant tothe CBSD node.

In particular, the connection manager (CM) of the UE 105 is configuredto maintain snapshots of active sessions (or acquire snapshot uponreceiving a suspension notice), to query the CBSD for a grant suspensioncode, and to provide this information to provider equipment (PE) such asnetwork managers (NMs) and the like to enable managedattachment/reattachment of the UE population impacted by the suspensionnotice.

The network manager (NM) is configured to prioritize reattachment ofsuspended UE in a load balanced manner. This determination is made inaccordance with various criteria associated with suspended UE, such as(1) whether UE was UE idle; (2) whether UE was associated with multipleactive sessions or one active session; (3) whether UE was associatedwith high bandwidth/demand session(s) vs low bandwidth/demandsession(s); (4) whether UE is capable of multiple network access (e.g.,dual RAT, dual SIM, eSIM); (5) UE location with respect to alternativeinfrastructure (e.g., attachable to one, few, or many alternativeinfrastructures or infrastructure access points); (6) UEsubscription/priority level (e.g., platinum, gold, silver, bronze); and(7) any other criteria useful in this determination.

The NM migrates UE (i.e., detaches from old node/WAP and attaches to newnode/WAP) in a prioritized manner in accordance with the UE/subscribercriteria, and further in consideration of factors such as the cost tothe MVNO. Such costs include the cost of using alternate infrastructuresuch as MNO infrastructure where the MVNO must pay a fee to the MNO(e.g., per-bit fee, per-tier fee, etc.) These costs may vary dependingupon the required performance of the US application(s) services(s), theloading of the alternate infrastructure, and so on. Preference is alwaysgiven to infrastructure owned by the MVNO, with consideration given tothe loading and performance match between that infrastructure andUE/services QoS requirements. It is noted that the migration of UE froma source network may be to one or more destination networks.

The rate of UE migration may also be considered determined by the NM soas to avoid overloading alternative infrastructure(s), avoidunmanageable spikes in control plane functions/signaling, and so on.

Finally, the CM of the UE is configured to restore migrated UE fromcostly alternate infrastructure back to the normal MVNO infrastructurebased on based on speed of the UE, session priority and the like, and todo so in a manner reducing signaling collisions and the like.

CBRS incumbents (US Military, fixed satellite etc.) have the highestpriority over the entire CBRS frequency range. If a network operator isoperating in this band, there is a possibility that SAS can order thenetwork operator's network devices to vacate the CBRS channels (PAL andGAA) which will result in disruption of service to the subscribers onthe network. In order to avoid a disruption (with no defined time spanof the shut down call) the users must be provided an alternative way ofcommunications to avoid poor experience. The subscribers must beprovided an alternative. This can be handled by placing the subscribersfrom the native CBRS network onto a partner/MVNO network (non-native).This placement can be seriously disruptive to the non-native network asit may not be able to handle a large number of additional UEs all of asudden.

This various embodiments disclosure provides a mechanism to ensure thereis a priority based transfer of UEs to the non-native networks. Inaddition, the disclosure also discusses mechanism to move the UEs backon the native network in a systematic way post shutdown call from SAS.

Generally speaking, various embodiments provide a method/mechanism fortransfer/migration of UE attached to MVNO CBSD nodes/APs with suspendedspectrum grants to nodes/APs of alternate infrastructure or non-nativenetworks, such as that of an MNO. In addition, various embodimentsprovide a method/mechanism for transfer/migration of UE back to MVNOnodes/APs, such as after a shutdown call from an SAS.

In response to spectrum grant suspension messages, the CMS 150 or othernetwork management entity may identify impacted nodes 110-2 x/160-x andUE 105 connected thereto, invoke snapshot gathering and reporting, applyUE active session prioritization to the reported snapshot information,and begin migrating UE in accordance with a migration plan to secondarynetwork nodes.

The CMS 150 or other network management entity may also continue tointeract with the SAS 150 so as to become aware of the return ofnon-licensed spectrum availability (e.g., priority user no longer inarea associated with spectrum grans suspensions) so as to beginmigrating UE back to a preferred network. Such return migration maycomprise provoking the nodes 110-2 x/160-x to again transmit spectruminquiry messages to the SAS 140, receive spectrum grants, and beginusing the granted spectrum, whereupon the CMS 150 or other networkmanagement entity may then cause a migration of UE back to the CBSDnetwork (more generally, to the preferred network).

In the event a SAS grant has been suspended the network will be forcedto go an alternative channel i.e., PAL on a different GAA and a GAA on adifferent GAA. In the worst case the network will have no grants(neither PAL nor GAA) and will cease operations.

In the event that there is no grant, the mobile subscribers will notknow what happened and will either be disassociated or look for analternatives. This will be carried over the allowed frequency range ofthe carrier. The mobiles will continue to transmit in order to find thefrequency causing a power surge which is detrimental anyway.

In order to resolve this an agent on the phone (connection manager) cantake on this situation but requires additional functionality. Normally,when a SAS suspends grants it lets the network know via suspend grantmessage. This suspension stays with the network and is not relayed tothe UE. A connection manager can request the reason for suspension so itcan direct the UE in the right direction.

FIG. 2 depicts a flow diagram of a UE migration management method inaccordance with the embodiments.

At step 210, UE are attached to a CBSD node of primary network (e.g.,MVNO network) and receiving network services via the CBSD node.

At step 220, a network manager (NM) or other provider equipment (PE)entity such as associated with the MVNO operator receives a grantsuspension message from an SAS associated with spectrum granted to oneor more CBSDs. The NM responsively sends detach request to UE associatedwith each suspended spectrum grant (i.e., UE using suspended spectrumgrants at any of the relevant CBSDs). The NM also sends codes indicativeof grant suspension to all UE, or to UE that have sent a “request reasonfor detach” message to the NM.

At step 230, at least some of the UE gather and transmit to the NMrespective snapshot information pertaining to active UE sessions, aswell as information regarding proximate/available node(s) of alternatenetwork(s) to which UE capable of migrating.

Specifically, in various embodiments, the CM of the UE is configured tofacilitate UE session migration by maintaining an active profile ofactive applications, such as via snapshots configured to keep track ofactive packet flows for each application by, illustratively, trackingsuch application packet flows at the packet level and maintaining acorresponding snapshot of current application packet flows.

A snapshot for the UE may comprise control information as well asinformation pertaining to each application of interest (i.e., eachapplication where rapid handover without application disruption isdesired). A snapshot may include some or all of the followinginformation for each application of interest: Server information such asIP Address; UE Credentials such as User IDs (e.g., IMSI, IMEI, C-RNTI,etc.); Session ID such as PDN ID, EPS bearer ID, LBI and TEID etc.; andPacket flow information such as packet number, packet sequence, and thelike. A snapshot may also include some or all of the following controlinformation: Server information such as IP Address; UE Credentials suchas User IDs (e.g., IMSI, IMEI, C-RNTI, etc.); Session ID such as PDN ID,EPS bearer ID, LBI and TEID etc.; and Packet flow information such aspacket number, packet sequence and the like.

At step 240, the NM (or other PE entity) receives respective snapshotinformation and alternate network node information from UE associatedwith one or more CBSD subjected to a spectrum grant suspension. The NMgenerates a UE migration plan for UE of each suspended spectrum grant,including (1) prioritized ordering of UE based on session requirement,UE capability, node capability, alternate network cost, and/or otherfactors, and (2) UE migration rate for each alternate network node.

The UE migration plan includes a prioritized ordering of UE migration toeach node of one or more alternate networks based on UE active sessioninformation and alternate network cost, wherein each of the one or morealternate network nodes is associated with a respective UE migrationrate. The lowest priority is given to UE in an idle state. These UE arejust migrated without regard for active session information, since thereis none (or the UE failed to provide such information). UE havingmultiple active sessions are typically prioritized over or higher thanUE having fewer active sessions or one active session. UE havingrelatively higher bandwidth active sessions (e.g., video) are typicallyprioritized over or higher than UE having relatively lower bandwidthactive sessions (e.g., audio only, email, etc.). UE having a relativelyhigher bandwidth requirement aggregated over many active sessions aretypically prioritized over or higher than UE having a relatively lowerbandwidth requirement aggregated over many active sessions. UE that canonly connect to one alternate network node are typically prioritizedover or higher than UE able to connect to several alternate networknodes (this may be due to UE capability to only connect to certainnetworks such as via certain protocols, or UE location where only one ora few alternate network nodes are providing services). UE with moreexpensive/higher subscription levels are typically prioritized over orother UE with less expensive/lower subscription levels.

Optionally, the NM modifies one or more UE migration plans to provideload balancing across multiple nodes and/or alternate networks. Forexample, one or more UE migration plans may be configured to balance UEmigration between nodes of a target alternative network and one or moreother alternate networks in accordance with at least one of real timetarget network loading information, historical target network loadinginformation, and other alternate network loading information.

At step 240, the NM transmits commands to UE configured to cause atleast a portion of UE to migrate to respective nodes of alternatenetworks as per UE migration plan. Optionally, the NM transmits UEsnapshot information to respective alternate networks if they areconfigured to enable establishment/replication of UE active session(s)using the snapshot information.

At step 250, in response to the NM or other PE entity determining thatspectrum (e.g., CBRS or other unlicensed spectrum) may now be availableagain, a process of migrating UE back to the preferred network isinvoked.

The determination may comprise receiving a message or other indicationfrom the SAS 140 or from another entity interacting with the SAS 140, orby monitoring messages or other traffic associated with the SAS 140 suchas to/from a node 110/160 or CMS 150, or from some other entity (even UE105 if capable of such monitoring or interaction). For example, aregistered CBSD node 110/160 may periodically transmit a spectruminquiry message to the SAS to identify available spectrum and, inresponse to spectrum now being available, may further transmit a messageto the CMS 150 that spectrum is now available. Alternatively, the CMS150 may simply monitor or inspect SAS related traffic to identifymessages indicative of available spectrum. The NM causes a returnmigration of UE by verifying (or triggering if needed) CBSD nodes of thepreferred network reacquiring spectrum grants from a relevant SAS, andtriggering those UE proximate the preferred CBSD nodes to gathersnapshot information (if needed) and reattach to the CBSD nodes of thepreferred network, optionally in accordance with the UE migration plan.

For example, within the context of CBRS systems, a Spectrum Inquiryprocedure may be initiated if the CBSD wants the SAS to indicatespecific information on channels available for the CBSD. If there is noDomain Proxy, the CBSD initiates the Spectrum Inquiry procedure bysending a SpectrumInquiryRequest object (cbsdId, inquiredSpectrum,measReport) to the SAS. The cbsdId parameter identifies the CBSD to theSAS. The inquiredSpectrum parameter is an array of FrequencyRangeobjects indicating the frequency range(s) for which the CBSD seeksinformation. The CBSD may request information for one or more frequencyranges. The measReport parameter provides a means for the CBSD to reportmeasurement results. The SAS returns a SpectrumInquiryResponse object(cbsdId, availableChannel, response) to the CBSD with the results of thepotential channel availability for the inquired spectrum. TheavailableChannel parameter is an array of AvailableChannel objects, eachof which includes a frequency range, the channelType (“PAL” or “GAA”)and the regulatory rule that the SAS used to determine availability. TheCBSD normally considers the information in the availableChannelparameter as an indication of the channels available to the CBSD. Themessaging between a CBSD and the SAS may be monitored by the CMS 150 andused to determine that spectrum is available again. In addition, a CBSDmay directly message the CMS 150 to inform the CMS 150 that spectrum isavailable again. The CMS 150 may further determine the extend ofavailable spectrum, and use this information and snapshotinformation/priorities to construct a return migration plan for therelevant UE.

Generally speaking, since the UE 105 will not be aware of a return ofCBRS spectrum availability they will remain attached to the secondarynetwork. As such, the various embodiments contemplate make suchdetermination at a network management level and causing the UE proximateCBSD nodes of the preferred network to reattach to such preferrednetwork nodes. This and related actions may be provided by the CMS 150(or other NM entity) communicating with the CM 105CM of the UE 105 toprovide instructions thereto.

FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of a UE handover management method inaccordance with the embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 3 depicts a method300 by which UE are handed over from primary to secondary networks inresponse to a spectrum suspension condition of primary network CBSDsupporting the UE in the primary network, and from secondary to primarynetworks in response to a revocation of a spectrum suspension conditionof a primary network CBSD proximate the UE.

At step 310, in response to a UE receiving from a network manager (NM)or other PE entity of the primary network a message configured to causeUE to migrate to respective nodes of alternate networks as per UEmigration plan (e.g., as per step 240 of the method 200 of FIG. 2 ), theUE requests from the primary/current network a connection to arespective node of an alternate network as per the UE migration plan.The primary/current network forwards these UE request to alternatenetwork. The UE and alternate network begin communication/signaling, andthe UE provides active session snapshot information to the alternatenetwork if the alternate network is capable of using it toestablish/replicate active sessions. When the UE receives network accessinformation from alternate network, the UE and alternate network invokehandover signaling to attach the UE to a respective node of alternatenetwork, whereupon the UE session(s) are at least reestablished, andpreferably replicated with snapshot information.

At step 320, the UE or primary network determines that the UE is in aprimary network coverage area (e.g., via GPS at the US, via the primarynetwork nodes sensing signal from the UE, etc.), and that licensedcapacity exists at a primary network node proximate the UE, or that agrant suspension associated with a primary network CBSD node proximatethe UE has been revoked. In either case, the UE may be migrated back tothe primary network such as an MVNO network, and thereby avoid the costof using the secondary network such as an MNO network.

At step 330, the UE requests from the alternate/current network aconnection to a respective node of the primary network as per the UEmigration plan. The alternate/current network forwards these UE requestto the primary network. The UE and primary network begincommunication/signaling, and the UE provides active session snapshotinformation to the primary network since the primary network is capableof using it to establish/replicate active sessions. When the UE receivesnetwork access information from primary network, the UE and primarynetwork invoke handover signaling to attach the UE to a respective nodeof the primary network, whereupon the UE session(s) are reestablishedand replicated using the snapshot information.

FIG. 4 graphically depicts a network management method in accordancewith the embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 4 depicts a simplified flowdiagram of messaging and messaging processing associated with variousembodiments suitable for use migrating UE from a source network to oneor more destination networks in response to the UE having receivedchannel vacate messages.

In response to being informed (402) via a SAS channel vacate message,the UE stop transmitting in the channel(s) to be vacated. The UE willthen look for alternatives channels (406) and take a snapshot ofexisting sessions (404). Based on historical and/or current throughputinformation, latency information and the like (407) associated with oneor more backup networks, a determination will be made as to which of theone or more backup networks will be tasked with receiving various UEunder a best effort scenario whereby UE are mapped to a network based onUE needs and availability n accordance with a priority scheme (410).Backup networks may comprise MNS partner networks or other MVNO networks(e.g., MVNO C-band 600 MHz or Wi-Fi network).

Migrating a large number of UEs from a MVNO CBRS spectrum network to anMVNO non-CBRS spectrum network is likely to be capacity constrained ifmaintaining performance levels of the non-CBRS network. As such,emergency, backup, or fail-over network capacity must be provided by theMVNO or a MNO supporting the MVNO. These networks will be emergencyalternatives and be accessed via SIMS or eSIMs on the UE. Further, theUE connection manager will provide a means to transfer the UE betweennetworks. The decision to move UEs to a different network is not onlyperformance based but also based on the cost factor. The UEs will bemoved to the cheapest network first i.e., lowest GB/$ (432) and so on.

UE transfer may also be assisted by geo-fencing and location (436)wherein the UEs are moved to other networks based on their locations andthe proximate partner networks (i.e., move UE based on location andavailable network's performance in the area of the UE). The UEs may alsobe caused to move between networks based on network loading (424)information from the various available networks. In addition, once theUEs are on partner or non-preferred networks they will remain attachedthereto indefinitely if they do not look for the primary network. If theUE constantly looks for the primary network it will waste battery life.In various embodiments, battery life of UE on partner networks isconserved by using geo-fencing. However, if the network is unavailableat that time geo-fencing would result in the UE transmitting. In orderto avoid the same information that was received to detach would come inhandy. The UE will wait for information via non-preferred networks toget informed about when it should enable look up for the primarynetwork. The connection manager will fetch information at pre-definedintervals. The UEs will not be put back on the network all at once. TheUEs will be bucketized by the primary network based on the snapshotinformation provided by the UEs. Hence prioritizing based onsubscription, session etc. similar to the description on slide.

Various modifications may be made to the systems, methods, apparatus,mechanisms, techniques and portions thereof described herein withrespect to the various figures, such modifications being contemplated asbeing within the scope of the invention. For example, while a specificorder of steps or arrangement of functional elements is presented in thevarious embodiments described herein, various other orders/arrangementsof steps or functional elements may be utilized within the context ofthe various embodiments. Further, while modifications to embodiments maybe discussed individually, various embodiments may use multiplemodifications contemporaneously or in sequence, compound modificationsand the like. It will be appreciated that the term “or” as used hereinrefers to a non-exclusive “or,” unless otherwise indicated (e.g., use of“or else” or “or in the alternative”).

Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings of thepresent invention have been shown and described in detail herein, thoseskilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments thatstill incorporate these teachings. Thus, while the foregoing is directedto various embodiments of the present invention, other and furtherembodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from thebasic scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: in response to receiving aspectrum grant suspension message associated with spectrum used by aCitizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) node to provide servicesto user equipment (UE) attached thereto, transmitting a detachmentrequest and a grant suspension indicative code to each UE associatedwith the suspended spectrum grant; receiving, from at least a portion ofthe UE associated with the suspended spectrum grant, respectiveindications of available nodes of alternate networks and snapshots ofactive sessions; generating a UE migration plan for the UE associatedwith the suspended spectrum grant, the UE migration plan comprising aprioritized ordering of UE migration to each node of one or morealternate networks based on UE active session information and alternatenetwork cost, wherein each of the one or more alternate network nodes isassociated with a respective UE migration rate; and causing at least theportion of the UE associated with the suspended spectrum grant toinitiate a UE migration in accordance with the UE migration plan.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the UE migration plan assigns a lowestpriority to UE in an idle state.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theUE migration plan prioritizes UE having multiple active sessions over UEhaving one active session.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the UEmigration plan prioritizes UE in accordance with a number of activesessions.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the UE migration planprioritizes UE having an active high bandwidth session over UE having anactive low bandwidth session.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the UEmigration plan prioritizes UE in accordance with a total bandwidth usageof active sessions.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the UE migrationplan prioritizes an alternate network node for use by UE capable of onlyconnecting the alternate network node over UE capable of connecting tothe alternate network node and one or more other alternate networknodes.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein capability of UE to connect toan alternate network node is based on at least one of UE locationproximate the alternate network node, and UE capability to use a radioprotocol associated with the alternate network node.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the UE migration plan prioritizes an alternate networknode for use by UE capable of only connecting the alternate network nodeover UE capable of connecting to the alternate network node and one ormore other alternate network nodes.
 10. The method of claim 1, whereinthe UE migration plan prioritizes UE in accordance with US subscriptionlevel.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the UE migration plan isconfigured to balance UE migration between nodes of a target alternativenetwork and one or more other alternate networks in accordance with atleast one of real time target network loading information, historicaltarget network loading information, and other alternate network loadinginformation.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in responseto determining that spectrum associated with a suspended grant may beavailable, triggering UE proximate CBSD nodes to attach thereto.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the determination that spectrum associatedwith a suspended grant may be available comprises identifying SASmessages associated with successful spectrum availability inquiry. 14.The method of claim 1, wherein the UE are triggered to attach toproximate CBSD nodes in accordance with a UE migration plan.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the determination that spectrum associatedwith a suspended grant may be available is made in response to detectingSAS message traffic indicative of a successful spectrum inquiry request.16. The method of claim 12, wherein the determination that spectrumassociated with a suspended grant may be available is made in responseto a message from a CBSD node indicative of a successful spectruminquiry request.
 17. A computer implemented connection manager server(CMS) for managing user equipment (UE) connection to nodes of preferredand secondary networks, the CMS comprising compute and memory resourcesconfigured for: in response to receiving a spectrum grant suspensionmessage associated with spectrum used by a Citizens Broadband RadioService Device (CBSD) node to provide services to user equipment (UE)attached thereto, transmitting a detachment request and a grantsuspension indicative code to each UE associated with the suspendedspectrum grant; receiving, from at least a portion of the UE associatedwith the suspended spectrum grant, respective indications of availablenodes of alternate networks and snapshots of active sessions; generatinga UE migration plan for the UE associated with the suspended spectrumgrant, the UE migration plan comprising a prioritized ordering of UEmigration to each node of one or more alternate networks based on UEactive session information and alternate network cost, wherein each ofthe one or more alternate network nodes is associated with a respectiveUE migration rate; and causing at least the portion of the UE associatedwith the suspended spectrum grant to initiate a UE migration inaccordance with the UE migration plan.
 18. The CMS of claim 17, whereinthe UE migration plan assigns a lowest priority to UE in an idle state,prioritizes UE having multiple active sessions over UE having one activesession, and prioritizes UE having an active high bandwidth session overUE having an active low bandwidth session.
 19. The CMS of claim 17,wherein the UE migration plan prioritizes an alternate network node foruse by UE capable of only connecting the alternate network node over UEcapable of connecting to the alternate network node and one or moreother alternate network nodes, wherein capability of UE to connect to analternate network node is based on at least one of UE location proximatethe alternate network node, and UE capability to use a radio protocolassociated with the alternate network node.
 20. User equipment (UE)configured to communicate with provider equipment (PE) of each of afirst and second network and comprising compute and memory resourcesconfigured for implementing a connection manager (CM), the CM configuredto perform a method, comprising: at UE attached to a Citizens BroadbandRadio Service Device (CBSD) node of a first network, in response toreceiving a detachment request and a code indicative of a grantsuspension, transmitting toward a network manager (NM) associated withthe first network an indication of second network nodes proximate the UEand snapshots of any active UE sessions, the transmitted informationbeing configured to enable the NM to generate a migration plan for eachof a plurality of UE associated with the grant suspension; and inresponse to a migration trigger indication received from the NM,detaching from the CBSD node of the first network and initiatingattachment to a node of the second network.
 21. The UE of claim 20further comprising: in response to the detachment request, transmittingtoward the NM a request for a reason for the detachment configured tocause the NM to transmit toward the UE the code indicative of a grantsuspension.